Mr Corbyn also called on the PM to be more transparent about the "scientific and behavioural evidence and modelling" that was guiding the Government's response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Calling for a meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Corbyn said: "This crisis demands political as well as scientific judgments and clearer public communication based on greater transparency of scientific and behavioural evidence and modelling than has been provided to date.

"The public are rightly seeking a much higher level of explanation and transparency as to the course of action being taken, including whether more far-reaching measures, as taken in other comparable states, could be necessary."

He also called on ministers to remove the requirement to present for Universal Credit interviews in all cases, immediately suspend sanctions and reduce the waiting time of five weeks for the first payment of the benefit.

Mr Corbyn also demanded support for local authorities working with food banks in the purchase and distribution of supplies.

"In the light of the scale of the crisis, the Government should bring forward a package of emergency financial security measures to give people the security and confidence they need to follow public health advice as part of our collective national endeavour," he said.